Spool Valve Operation Inspection

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Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Remove the Oil Control Valve (OCV).
Verify that the spool valve in the Oil Control Valve (OCV) is in the maximum valve timing retard position as indicated in the figure.
- If not as specified, replace the Oil Control Valve (OCV).
Verify that the battery is fully charged.
- If not as specified, recharge the battery.
  
  Fig 1: OCV In Maximum Valve Timing Retard Position
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Apply battery positive voltage between the Oil Control Valve (OCV) terminals and verify that the spool valve operates and moves to the maximum valve timing advance position.

Fig 2: Identifying OCV Connector Terminals
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
- If not as specified, replace the Oil Control Valve (OCV).
  NOTE:
  - When applying battery positive voltage between the oil control valve (OCV) terminals, the connection can be either of the following:
    
    Positive battery cable to terminal A, negative battery cable to terminal B.
    
    Positive battery cable to terminal B, negative battery cable to terminal A.
    
    Fig 3: OCV Spool Valve In Maximum Valve Timing Advance Position
    Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Stop applying battery positive voltage and verify that the spool valve returns to the maximum valve timing retard position.
- If not as specified, replace the Oil Control Valve (OCV).